Risë Stevens stars in the title role of the impetuous young Octavian in Strauss’s elegant comedy. The great Lisa Della Casa is the Marschallin, Octavian’s wiser, older lover, and Hilde Güden sings Sophie, the girl he falls in love with. Otto Edelmann delivers a hilarious portrayal as the boorish Baron Ochs, Sophie’s would-be fiancé. Rudolf Kempe leads Strauss’s glittering score with grace and style.

Returning for the holidays, this season's family entertainingment is richard Jone' witty production of Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, in whcih two children facre against a wicked witch.